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^R DEPARTMENT : : OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
COMBINED
INFANTRY AND CAVALRY
DRILL REGULATIONS
FOR
AUTOMATIC MACHINE RIFLE
CALIBER .30
»A10DF-I, OF l^':*)
CX)RR£Cfi:D TO APTiVi. n. 1917
(Change No. I)
WAR DEPARTMENT : : OFFIOi OF THE CHIEF OF STAFf-
COMBINED
INFANTRY AND CAVALRY
DRILL REGULATIONS
FOR
AUTOMATIC MACHINE RIFLE
CALIBER .30
MODEL OF 1909
CORRECTED TO APRIL 15. 1917
(Changes No. I )
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1917
<
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Docu^nt No. 488.
Office ofthi Chief of Staff,
ADDITIONAL COPIES
OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D. C.
AT
LO CENTS PER COPY
War Department,
Office op the Chief of Staff,
Washington, March 29, 1915.
The following combined system of Infantry and Cavalry Drill
Regulations for Automatic Machine Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of
1909, prepared by a board of officers appointed by paragraph 14,
Special Orders, No. 120, War Department, 1914, is approved and
herewith issued for the information and government of the Regular
Army and the Organized Militia of the United States.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Tasker H. Bliss,
Brigadier General, Acting Chief of Staff.
640S38
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS,
1914.
1. It is presumed that members of a machine-gun organization
are primarily cavalrymen and infantrymen and have been instructed
as such. Subjects covered by the drill regulations of the particular
arm or by authorized manuals have been omitted from the text,
except in cases where the importance of the subject renders repeti-
tion advisable.
2. All members of a machine-gun organization will receive in-
struction in all that pertains to the machine gun and its equipment.
3. These regulations refer to the automatic machine rifle, caliber
.30, model of 1909.
4, The term "machine-gun organization" refers to both mounted
and dismounted units. Where the regulations are applicable to
Cavalry only or to Infantry only, it will be indicated as Machine-
Gun Troop; Machine-Gun Company ; Machine-Gun Platoon, Cav-
alry; or Machine-Gun Platoon, Infantry.
SIGNALS.
5, Signals used by machine-gun organizations will be those pre-
scribed in the drill regulations of the particular arm, field service
regulations and other manuals of instruction governing the arm.
Prescribed signals are limited to such as are essential as a sub-
stitute for the voice under conditions which render the voice in-
adequate.
Signals described in these regulations as peculiar to the employ-
ment of machine guns are prescribed for use ohly under the condi-
tions described above.
(C. C. I. and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
6, Action Front (Right, Left or Rear). — Strike three or four
blows with the clenched fist in the direction in which action is
desired.
5
6 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
7. Rescinded.
{C. C. I. and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
8. Rescinded.
(C. C. /. and C. D. R. A. M, R. No. 1.)
9. Close. — Extend the arm horizontally to the right and ])rlng
the hand repeatedly to the point of the shoulder.
10. Extend. — Sweep the arm, fully extended, slowly and hori-
zontally across the body.
!!• Rescinded.
(C. C. I. and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
a* Rescinded.
(C. C. L and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
13. Rescinded.
{C. C. I. and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
14. Rescinded.
(C. C. I. and C. D. R. A. M. R. No. 1.)
THE SQUAD.
15. Soldiers are grouped into squads for the purpose of making
units for the operation and service of machine guns m battle and to
facilitate their control and movement.
16. Men must be taught the necessity not only of remaining with
the squad to which they belong, but, what is of greater importance,
of keeping the gun sufficiently manned to do efficient work at all
times.
17. The squad dismounted is formed and maneuvered as pre-
scribed for the squad in the drill regulations of the arm to whicn it
belongs. Four members of the squad constitute the gun squad; one
is designated as gunner, who carries the rifle and gunner's pouchy
one as loader, who carries ammunition; and one as tripod carrier.
The fourth member of the squad assists in the operation of the rifle,
keeps it supplied with ammunition, and performs such other duties
as may be assigned to him.
18. The rifle is operated by the gunner and the loader, the former
being preferably a noncommissioned officer or experienced private.
19. When not assembled, the rifle and tripod are handled in the
most convenient manner.
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 7
TO PREPARE TO FIRE.
20. Being in any formation : 1. Action Front (Right, Left or
Rear).
The rifle is set up in the position designated by the squad leader
by the gunner and tripod carrier. With the tripod at its maximum
height, the gunner sits on the trail seat; at other elevations he takes
the most suitable position. The loader places his ammunition boxes
within convenient reach and takes such position on the right of the
gun as will enable him to readily perform his duties. The disposi-
tion of the loads carried by the other members of the squad, the
duties to be performed and the position to be occupied by each will
be as directed by the squad leader, who takes position so as to best
direct the fire of his gun. Sights are set by the gunner and the gun
loaded at command LOAD, or at first designation of the target. In
order to reduce exposure to hostile fire, no more men than are abso-
lutely necessary should be kept at the gun.
. 21. This formation of the squad, with the gun in readiness to fire,
is termed the *' firing formation."
22. Load. — The gunner cocks the rifle; the loader raises the feed
Eiece high enough to release the actuator and inserts a feed strip,
eing careful to depress the outer end so that the feed strip will
properly enter the feed guides. He also steadies the piece by
placing the left hand over the rear sight movable base.
23. The Cocking Handle Will Always be Set at "Safe"
Except When Actually Firing.
24. After the first command for loading, the loader, unless other-
wise directed, will keep the rifle loaded.
to unload.
25. Unload.— In order to remove a partially exhausted feed strip,
the gunner sees that the rifle is cocked and steadies it if necessary.
The loader raises the feed piece as in loading, and when the pawls are
disengaged withdraws the strip and replaces it in the ammunition
box.
When the feed strip is clear of the guides, the gunner, holding the
cocking handle, pulls the trigger and allows the actuator to move
8 MACHINE-GUN- DRILL REGULATIONS.
-slowly forward in order to release the tension on the actuator spring.
The actuator should not be allowed to snap forward by the action of
the spring alone.
26. When operating the rifle alone, the gunner performs the
operations prescribed for the loader.
TO CHANGE THE BARREL.
37. The gunner unscrews the barrel-locking screw and rotates the
locking nut. The loader removes the barrel, the gunner assisting,
if necessary, by inserting the screw-driver end of the dismounting
wrench between the barrel and receiver. The loader mounts the
new barrel, pushing it home; the gunner locks the locking nut and
screws up the locking screw.
28. The command CHANGE BARREL (feed piece, firing pin or
any other part) should be frequently given during drill.
TO SUSPEND FIRING.
39. Suspend Firing. — The gunner removes his finger from the
trigger, and sets the cocking handle at ''Safe." If the feed strip is
nearly exhausted, the loader inserts a full one. All remain in
position.
TO cease firing.
30. Cease Firing. — The gunner sets the cocking handle at "Safe "
and the piece is unloaded. The gunner lowers the sight leaf and
rej)laces tools in the gunner's pouch. The loader replaces the feed
strips in the box; other members of the squad assist when so directed.
31. At any preparatorjr command for movement. Cease Firing is
executed, the gun is dismounted from tripod, and all loads are
prepared for carrying.
FIRINGS.
CIASSIFICATION OF FIRE.
32. Machine-gun fire is classified and subdivided as follows:
(a. Fixed,
t 6.
1. According to the manner in which a target 1 6. Distributed.
is covered with fire^ \c. Searching.
[d. Combined sights.
2. According to its use ft; ^^^fe.
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 9
DEFINITIONS AND USE.
33. Fixed fire is that in which the gun is directed and fire delivered
at a small target, or at a single aiming point on a large target.
Distributed fire is that in which the fire is distributed along a line,
a number of different aiming points being used. These points must
be selected close enough together to insure the target being covered
with fire.
Searching fire is that in which the fire of the gun is distributed in
the direction of depth.
Combined sights are used for the same purpose as searching fire,
i. e., to secure distribution in the direction of depth. For this fire
two or more guns must be employed, and such differences made in
the elevation of the guns or each pair of guns that their beaten zones
will overlap and a greater total depth of beaten zone be thus secured.
Ranging fire has for its object the determination or verification of
the firing data when no range-finding instrument is available.
Fire for effect has for its object the infliction of losses upon the
enemy.
APPLICATION OF FIRE.
34. In battle the question as to whether or not a certain target is
ti^ be taken under fire is a tactical one, and must be decided according
to the conditions of the combat and the particular mission assigned
to the machine-gun organization.
35. The tactical employment of the guns and selection of targets
are discussed in these regulations. The decision having been made
to take a certain objective or target under fire, it remains for the
machine-gun commander to determine how best to apply the fire
power of his guns to accomplish the desired result.
36. To secure the greatest moral and material effects, the burst of
fire from the guns must be sudden and unexpected and continued
without interruption until the desired effect is produced.
37. "Ranging fire," therefore, must not be employed unless it is
certain that the ultimate results of the fire will be materially in-
creased by the opportunity thus afforded for a more perfect adjust-
ment of the fire.
This implies that ranging fire should not be attempted against tar-
gets which, by moving, could disappear from view in the interval
between ranging fire and fire for effect nor should it be attempted
when the guns themselves are under fire.
90232°— 17 2
10 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
In these cases fire for effect should be opened at once and any ad-
justment, during the natural pauses in the fire, left to the platoon
leaders and those directly concerned with the control of fire.
FIRE DIRECTION AND FIRE CONTROL.
38. The captain, through his officers and noncommissioned
officers, directs and controls the fire of the organization.
The following paragraphs set forth, in a general way, the functions
and duties of the officers, noncommissioned officers and gunners.
39. The captain —
1. Selects and designates the target, allotting to each platoon its
sector.
2. Causes the range to be measured, or, if instrumental range
finders are not available, calls upon the platoon commanders for an
estimate of the range, and takes a mean of the estimates furnished
him.
3. Decides what kind of fire is to be employed and how many guns •
are to be used. He also decides whether separate aiming points are
to be used for each gun or platoon or whether a single aiming point
is to be used for all guns.
40. The platoon commander —
1 . If called upon for an estimate of the range, causes the range to be
estimated by two or more members of his platoon best qualified in
the estimation of distances and announces the mean of their esti-
mates to the captain.
2. Allots to each gun its sector and puts into execution the com-
mands or directions of the captain, having first taken such pre-
cautions to insure correct sight setting and clear description of the
target as the situation permits or requires; thereafter gives such
additional commands or directions as are necessary to exact com-
pliance with the captain's will; he corrects the sight setting when
necessary; he designates an aiming point when the target can not
be seen; he keeps on the alert for signals from the captain; replaces
casualties at the guns; keeps a careful check on ammunition so that
he can report at any time the amount available for immediate use.
41. If a platoon be detached and acting alone, the platoon com-
mander exercises the functions outlined above for the captain.
42. Supernumerary enlisted men assist the captain in the obser-
vation of fire and perform such other duties as he may direct.
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 11
43. In the platoon organization the sergeant assists the platoon
commander.
44. The squad leader —
1. Repeats to the gunner such firing data, orders and commands
as may be given and sees that they are properly executed.
2. Observes the effect of fire of his gun and makes such corrections
in the sight setting and in the number of shots fired at each aiming
point as are necessary to make the fire more effective. He con-
stantly endeavors to carry out the will of his superior officers and
keeps on ,the alert for commands and signals.
3. Keeps the gun properly manned by details from his own squad;
keeps check on the ammunition, so as to be prepared at all times to
report the amount remaining on hand available for immediate use;
and sees that the immediate supply of ammunition is so placed that
the action of the gun will not be delayed for lack of ammunition.
45. The gunner —
1. Keeps his gun in proper working order and obeys implicitly the
orders of the squad leader.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION.
46. The importance of maintaining fire discipline and securing
implicit obedience to the commands of the captain or other oflicer
directing or controlling the fire of machine guns in battle is so great
that a portion of each day's drill or training will be devoted to
instruction in the firings.
47. Firing instruction in the squad must have for its object the
attainment of proficiency in the mechanical operation and manipu-
lation of the piece and the development of fire discipline.
48. Firing instruction with the gun squads combined must follow
this instruction in the squad, and has for its object the instruction
of officers and noncommissioned officers in fire control and in the
application of fire, as well as in the development of fire discipline.
49. Feed strips loaded with dummy cartridges should always be
used for drill and instruction, loading being simulated only when
such cartridges are not available.
When ammunition is available, instruction should frequently be
held with ball cartridges.
12 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
50. In battle, targets ordinarily will remain exposed to view in
the open but a short time; therefore great skill in the service of the
piece and a high order of fire discipline are required to deliver
quickly an effective fire upon such targets,
51. The squad is practiced in directing the gun quickly upon a
suddenly appearing target, in following its movements and in keep-
ing up an effective fire upon if.
52. Targets moving at various angles to the front and at different
rates of speed should be frequently selected; mounted detachments
or vehicles appearing on the terrain may be utilized for targets.
53. Every means should be utilized in the arrangement of targets
to secure different ranges and different degrees of visibility in order
that the maximum amount of instruction may be imparted in pick-
ing up and describing them, in range finding, and, in fact, in all
that goes with the actual operation and service of the guns in action.
54. Silhouettes arranged in lines of different lengths should be
placed in positions that will be at different angles to the front of the
position selected for the gun or guns used in this instruction.
55. For indoor practice the ingenuity of the instructor must be
called upon for the preparation and arrangement of various miniature '
targets to represent those ordinarily met with in battle.
THE GUN SQUAD.
56. The squad leader should have —
1. Such perfect knowledge of his gun that he can determine at
once the cause of the failure of any part to function.
2. A sufficient knowledge of the ballistic properties of the maclune
gun to enable him to obtain the greatest effect from its fire.
3. A knowledge of the influence of ground —
(a). With reference to the position of his gtm.
(6). With reference to the position of the objective.
4. A quick apprehension of his target and of opportunities to inflict
heavy losses.
57. The gunner occupies the most important position in the gun
squad in so far as accurate delivery of fire is concerned. All men
of the organization will be instructed in the duties of this position.
The gunner should be selected from the men showing the greatest
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 13
aptitude and attaining the greatest proficiency at machine-gun target
practice.
Firing alone will not determine the qualifications for this post.
He should be able —
1. To know instinctively when his gun is not correctly adjusted.
2. To load the piece in any position, without the assistance of the
loader.
3. To manipulate the rear and telescopic sights rapidly and
accurately.
4. To aim quickly and accurately.
Before firing, the gunner must —
1. Make sure that the barrel is clear.
2. See that the regulator is properly set.
3. Oil the mechanism.
4. Test the mechanism hj rapidly opening and closing the breech
several times to insure that it works freely and smoothly.
58. All members of the gun squad must be so instructed that each
is qualified to perform the duties of each position.
COMMUNICATION AND EXECUTION OF FIRING DATA.
59. The term ''firing data" is used to designate the complete
information that the gunner must have before opening fire. Firing
data is communicated in the following manner:
1. The target, and, if necessary, the particular aiming point on the
target.
2. Elevation and deflection.
3. Kind of fire to be used.
4. Number of cartridges or strips to be used.
In action the precision with which firing data must be announced
will depend upon the proficiency of the personnel.
60. In order to insure uniformity of instruction throughout the
organization, it may be advisable to form the noncommissioned
officers into a squad, with the captain or one of the lieutenants as
squad leader, and conduct the exercises until the idea and purpose
of the instruction are so thoroughly understood that each noncom-
missioned officer can impart instruction in an intelligent, proper
and uniform maimer to the members of his squad.
14 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
61. Examples of the communication of firing data by the squad
leader to the gunner are as fellows:
1. Target. — That machine gun at 12 o'clock, or such and such
portion of that infantry line, at 2 o'clock, or aiming point (such an
object).
2. Battle sight, or 800 (900, 1,000).
3. Right (left) one (or so many).
4. Fix, or distribute, or search.
5. One (or so many) strips.
6. Commence firing.
63. The squad leadej, in his description of the target or aiming
point and in his designation of the portion to be covered by the
gunner in firing, while being as concise as possible, must assure him-
self that the gunner understands his directions thoroughly.
63. The squad leader should be equipped with field glasses to aid
him in his definition of the target, and the gunner has the telescopic
sight, which he should use, if necessary, to follow the leader's
description and pick out his aiming point.
64. The following commands or appropriate signals given during
pauses in the firing may be used to communicate changes in the
firing data:
To increase or decrease the elevation 100 (or such number of)
yards: UP: 100 (or such number). DOWN: 100 (or such number).
If the command UP or DOWN be given without any number
added, the gunner raises or lowers the point of strike of the bullets
by use of the elevating gear and does not change the sight setting,
but selects his point or points of aim above or below the target.
To change the deflection to the right or left any number of points:
Right: One (or such number).
Left: One (or such number).
If the command RIGHT or LEFT be given without any number
added, the gunner moves the point of strike of the bullets to the right
or left by traversing and does not change the sight setting, but
selects his point of aim farther to the right or left.
To change the kind of fire, the appropriate command, FIX,
DISTRIBUTE or SEARCH, is given.
If a complete change of targets be desired, the command SL^S-
PEND FIRING should be given and appropriate data for the new
target announced.
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 15
THE GUN SQUADS COMBINED.
65. Previous to taking the firing formation, firing data may be
communicated to the platoon leaders, and when practicable to squad
leaders, they having preceded the guns for this purpose.
66. The firing data announced by the captain will designate the
target for each platoon and the range and deflection, the kind of
fire and the number of rounds being left to the discretion of the pla-
toon commanders.
67. The command COMMENCE FIRING is given by the captain
when all guns are ready unless he has previously commanded FIRE
WHEN READY.
68. To facilitate observation of the effect of fire, the right gun
only of each group with the same aiming point, should fire at com-
mand. The fire of each other gun of the group should be delayed
for a few seconds after the opening of fire by the gun on its right.
THE PACKER.
69. The object of this instruction is detailed training in —
(a) Setting up and fitting the aparejo, as prescribed in the hand-
book of the Automatic Machine Rifle, Caliber 30, Model of 1909.
(b) Care of equipment.
(c) Care of pack animal.
(d) Harnessing and unharnessing.
CARE OF EQUIPMENT.
70. The leather parts of the equipment should be exposed to the
sun as little as possible and when wet should be dried in the shade.
71. Immediately after the equipment is removed from the animal,
canvas parts should be scraped free from all adhering substances,
with a dull but smooth-edged knife. Especially must constant at-
tention be given to the cleanliness and pliability of the canvas of
the corona, crupper and cincha, and of the dock piece. The canvas
side of the corona and crupper should not be exposed to the sun for
the purpose of drying.
73. Woolen parts should be rubbed between the hands or hung up
and' beaten with switches or wands to remove dust, mud and hair,
and to make them soft and pliable. They should be exposed fre-
16 MACHINE-GUN" DRILL REGULATIONS.
quently to the sun, completely unfolded. Blankets should be
washed in tepid water at least once a month.
73. Metal parts must be kept free from dust, dirt, sweat and hair.
Those issued with coats of paint or lacquer are to be maintained in
that condition. Bright parts should be polished. The tongues,
rollers and keepers of buckles must work freely, to which end the
straps must be unbuckled in cleaning.
DISPOSITION OF THE EQUIPMENT.
74. The aparejo with crupper, sobrejalma and pack frame attached
rests on its boots; crupper doubled forward; the cincha passed over
the frame as in unharnessing; the blanket is folded and placed on the
cincha, folded edge to the front; the corona, folded, canvas side in,
is placed on the blanket, folded edge to the front. When exposed
to the weather, the aparejos must be covered with the rigging cover.
The bridle and blinder are hung on pegs or laid across the corona.
Loads should be kept with the pack harness to which they pertain.
All articles should be plainly marked with the number of the animal
to which they are fitted.
75o In camp the aparejos of each platoon should be in line parallel
to and in rear of the line of tents, the center of the aparejos being in
the center of the space allotted to the platoon. Aparejos may be
similarly kept at the picket line.
The aparejos should be raised from the ground. If suitable
material can not be obtained, they may be placed on ammunition
boxes. Bridles and blinders should be placed on the corona before
the packs are covered with the rigging cover.
The rifle should be kept in the case and when practicable under
cover.
76. It is important that the men be trained to place the equipment
as prescribed, for in field service, mules must frequentljr be saddled
in the darkness and it is imperative that an unvarying uniform
method of placing the equipment be adopted in order to avoid
confusion and delay.
CARE OF THE PACK ANIMAL.
77. In order that injuries and sickness may be avoided or promptly
discovered and cured, the animals are carefully inspected by their
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 17
drivers immediately after they are unharnessed, and the results are
reported to squad leaders, who will inspect to see that this duty is
efficiently performed. Such correction or treatment as is practicable
is applied at once, and difficult or serious cases are reported to the
stable sergeant.
78. Report should be made of abrasions, lumps, bunches, swell-
ings, rope burns, discharges from eyes, nose and mouth, loss of
shoes, failure to feed properly, cases of fatigue — in short everything
indicating the existence of disease or injury in need of correction.
79, Bunches under the aparejo are caused by the sudden relief of
excessive pressure on that part of the body. To determine the loca-
tion of the fault in the aparejo, the face of the bunch is wet with
water, the aparejo is placed in its correct seat without corona or
blanket and with the crupper turned forward, is gently rocked
from side to side. Upon removal, a damp spot on its surface will
indicate where a portion of the filling should be carefully removed
without disturbing the remainder. The bunch will disappear on
the next day's travel; if not traveling, a bunched animal snould be
loaded and exercised ; one or two hours is sufficient.
80, Sores and abrasions may be caused by the presence of foreign
substances, such as burs or gravel, and by inequalities or wrinkles
in corona, blanket or cincha. Sores under the crupper and dock
piece result from the aparejo riding too far forward or because the
boots are too close to the animal 's body or do not carry horizontal or
parallel to the axis of the animal. Abrasions of the withers or loins
indicate that the saddle bars are not horizontal or that they are not
parallel to the axis of the animal or that the arches are too broad or
too narrow.
Abrasions are treated by the temporary removal of the surfaces in
contact and by the application of antiseptic, cooling and healing
powders and lotions.
81. In general, swellings are caused by pressure and sores by fric-
tion. They can be avoided only by correct setting up of the ai)arejo,
its proper fitting, and its modification to conform to changes in the
condition of the animal. Very tight cinching instead of correcting
bad adjustment causes swellings, pain, fatigue and excessive sweat-
ing, and makes the animal unruly and hard to manage in its effort to
get rid of the load.
90232°— 17 3
IS MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
HARNESSING AND UNHARNESSING.
83. The blanket, after being well shaken, will be folded into six
thicknesses, as follows: Hold it well up by the two corners the short
way up and down; double it lengthwise (so the fold will come across
the '^U" and " S"), the folded corner (middle of blanket) in the left
hand; take the folded corner between the thumb and second finger
of the right hand, thumb pointing to the left; slip the left hand
down the folded edge two-thirds its length and seize it with the
thumb and second finger; raise the hands to the height of the shoul-
ders, the blanket between them extended; bring the hands together,
the double fold falling outward; keeping the folded corner between
the thumb and second finger of the right hand, slip the first finger of
the right hand between the folds and seize the double folded corner;
turn the left (disengaged) corner to the left and seize it and the other
double fold with the left hand and stretch and even the folds; raise
the blanket and place it between the chin and breast; slip the hands
down halfway, the first two fingers of each hand outside (in front),
the other fingers and thumb inside (behind), seize the blanket with
the thumbs and first two fingers, let the part under the chin fall
forward; hold the blanket, arms extended, even the lower edges,
seize the middle points between the thumbs and forefingers and
flirt the outside part over the right arm; the blanket is thus held
before placing it on the pack animal.
The blanket when folded is like a flattened S instead of like a flat-
tened spiral o and .wrinkles can be more easily detected.
TO HARNESS.
83. All men are instructed in the duties of both near and off
packers. In harnessing and unharnessing they work in pairs, one
on each side of the pack animal.
A quiet, well-trained animal is assigned to two recruits, each of
whom should be supervised at first by a thoroughly instructed man.
The instructor causes an animal to be harnessed and packed and
points out the names of the different parts of the pack outfit and
explains their use. He then has the pack and harness taken off
and placed in rear of the aniijial.
84. The pack outfit being in position, the instructor causes the
recruits to stand to heel, and commands:
1. By detail, harness.
Upon the completion of each detail the recruits remain in place.
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 19
2. BRIDLE. The near packer seizes the blinder and bridle,
placing the former over his arm; with the reins in the right hand and
the bit in the left, he approaches the mule from the near side, slips
the reins over the head, letting them rest on the neck, reaches under
and engages the snap in the right cheek-piece ring, inserts the bit in
the mule's mouth, and engages the snap m the left cheek-piece ring.
The bit should hang so as to touch but not draw up the corners of
the mouth.
3. BLINDER. The near packer takes hold of the halter with the
left hand, grasps the edge of the blinder near one end with the right
hand ; carries it well over the animal 's neck to the off side, tail down;
brings the blinder well to the front over the ears and places it over
the eyes, the tail on top of the neck. The blinder should not be
raised too high in passing it over the neck as the animal may duck
from it.
A pack mule is blinded during harnessing and packing and until
trained during unpacking and unharnessing. To teach it not to
move when blinded the bUnder must always be removed before
requiring it to change position.
4. CORONA. The off packer seizes the corona at the ends of its
center seam and throwing the half over his arm, as explained for the
blanket in paragraph 82, places it on the mule, still keeping hold of
the middle points; slides it once or twice from front to rear to smooth
the hair, being careful to raise it in bringing it forward.
5. BLANKET. The off packer on the near side places the folded
blanket on the corona, upper folded edge to the rear, in a manner
similar to that prescribed for putting on the corona. He then passes
to the off side and with the assistance of the near packer on the near
side smooths and evens the blanket.
6. SADDLE. Both packers, each working on his own side, grasp
the aparejo hj the lower corners, raising it high enough to clear the
rump and set it on the back a little in rear of its proper position.
7. CRUPPER. The near packer takes hold of the crupper with
both hands; the left hand on lower edge, fingers under; the right
hand on upper edge, palm down; the off packer takes hold similarly,
hands reversed; both raise crupper well up, reverse it, and turn it
down over the croup. The quicker the action the more easily the
crupper is turned. The near packer raises the animal's tail and
places the dock piece well under it, taking care that no hairs are
caught. Both then place the breast against crupper to hold it in
20 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
place and set the aparejo forward into position, taking care to keep it
straight, the near packer with the right hand on the center of the
aparejo and his left on rear corner, and^the off packer with left hand
on the center of aparejo and his right Hand on the rear corner. The
off packer goes to the side of the mule, pulls the gas pipe end of the
cincha toward him, and guiding it down the middle passes it under
the belly to the near packer. He then steps to the shoulder, faces to
the rear, and places his right hand between the corona and withers
and his left hand on the rear corner of the aparejo. The near packer
seizes the end of the cincha at its corner^nd passes the cincha strap
through the cincha eye from above, brings it up, and passes it through'
the rendering ring from above and again through the cincha eye to
the right of the other part of the strap. He then grasps the cincha
strap near the cincha eye in his left hand and places the right hand
on the rear corner of the aparejo.
8. CINCHA. Both packers hold the aparejo forward in place,
taking care not to raise the front of the aparejo. The near packer
pulls the cincha strap taut with his left hand, and calls Set. At
this the off packer passes in rear and observes whether the aparejo is
straight; if not, it is correctly adjusted. He then takes hold of the
cincha strap on the right side of the near packer and places his
right knee against the boot. The near packer raises his left
foot to the boot and both pull together until the cincha eye is at the
edge of the boot, with the cincha in the center of the aparejo, after
which the off packer returns to the off side. The near packer passes
the cincha strap through the finger loop from above, assisted by the
off packer if necessary, and secures it. He then removes the blinder
and passes it over his left shoulder with the tail under the right arm.
85. Toharness without detail: HARNESS.
TO UNHARNESS.
86. 1. By detail, unharness.
2. BLINDER. (Par. 84-3.)
3. UNSADDLE. The near packer loosens the cincha strap and
folds his end of the cincha over the pack frame. Both then push
the aparejo slightly to the rear. The near packer places his left
hand on the upper edge of the crupper, his right on the lower edge;
the off packer takes a corresponding position, hands reversed; both
together raise the crupper and turn it forward over the cincha; take
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 21
hold of the aparejo as in saddling, pass it backward over the rump
and lower it carefully to its place in rear.
4. BLANKET AND CORONA. The. off packer on the near
side, grasping the front and rear edges of the blanket at the middle
points, removes it; allows it to fall into a fold between his hands and
places it along the near side of the corona; grasps the corona at the
middle points of its front and rear edges, removes blanket and
corona, and places both on the aparejo, corona on top.
5. UNBRIDLE. The near packer removes the blinder and un-
bridles, and places blinder and bridle on the corona.
87. To unharness without detail: UNHARNESS.
PACKING AND UNPACKING.
88. The mule being harnessed and in front of his load, the in-
structor commands: 1. PACK. At this command each packer pro-
cures a hanger containing the side loads and hangs it on the hanger
hooks of the frame. The load-holding-down clip is adjusted so that
when the clasp is passed through the staple on the lower side bar of
the frame the clip will be drawn taut and held so by the keeper.
The weight of both hangers should come upon the aparejo at the
same time in order to avoid a possible turning of the aparejo. The
top load, if any, is then put in place and fastened with the straps
provided.
89. Unpack. — The top and side loads are removed in reverse
order from that in which they were placed in position. . ,
TO PREPARE THE RIFLE FOR ACTION,
90. In active service the guns will rarely be unpacked at the
actual firing position. The necessity of approaching a position
under cover will seldom permit taking the animals to the selected
position, and ordinarily they will be taken only as far forward as
cover can be found for them. This must, however, be as close to the
position as possible. From this point to the firing position the gun,
its accessories and ammunition must be moved by hand.
91. In the following instruction, designed to teach the mechanism
of preparing the gun for action and moving it into the firing position,
full advantage must be taken of whatever cover the terrain affords
for unpacking the gun and moving it forward. Varied ground must
22 MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS.
be sought for this instruction and the position of the enemy must
always be assumed.
The animals to be unpg^cked, the amount of ammunition, etc., to
be moved to the firing position should always be designated.
93. At command (pars. 114 and 159) the squad halts. The gunner
withdraws the rifle from the case. The loader removes ammunition
boxes and case with spare barrel; the tripod carrier removes the
tripod, with such assistance as may be necessary. The remaining
members of the squad remove ammunition and such of the loads of
the other animals as may have been indicated by the squad leader.
The squad leader assembles the squad in front of the led animals,
93. No exact method can be prescribed for the advance to the firing
position, as the method to be adopted will be governed by the con-
ditions surrounding each problem.
The squad leader should always lead his squad and be the first to
arrive at the firing position.
94. Having selected the position in which the gun is t© be set up,
the squad leader commands: ACTION FRONT.
95. If while mules are loaded, the command ACTION FRONT
be given, the gun, in the absence of instructions, is placed in the
firing formation 5 yards to the front and slightly to the right of the
gun animal.
96. Action Right (left or rear) are similarly executed.
CAVAI.RY IJIVITS.
THE SQUAD.
97. The composition of the squad is as follows:
Squad leader.
The gun squad — the gunner, Nos. 1 (loader), 2 (tripod carrier)
and 3.
The drivers — Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7.
The ammunition squad — Nos. 8, 9 and 10.
The habitual formation is in column.
The squad leader is the leader of his squad; he is followed at one
horse length by No. 4. The gunner, Nos. 1, 2 and 3 ride in the order
named from front to rear. Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7 ride on their right,
respectively. Nos. 8, 9 and 10 ride in rear in the order named from
left to right, No. 8 in rear of No. 3. If there be additional men they
MACHINE-GUN DRILL REGULATIONS. 23
ride in rear, in numerical order from left to right. Pack animals are
led on the right. The habitual formation is referred to as ^ * column . ' '
(See PL I.)
98. Should additional pack animals be assigned to the squad,
members of the ammunition squad become drivers in numerical
order.
99. Pack animals should occasionally be led on the other side.
TO FORM THE SQUAD.
100. Saddle . — All horses are saddled by their drivers and linked to-
gether, or turned over to a designated number of the squad..
101. Line Up. — The gun crew and supernumeraries place aparejos
and packs in rear of where the pack animals are to be harnessed.
Loads are placed in rear of aparejos, ammunition boxes in the hangers.
Each driver secures his pack animal and leads him to a point 1 yard in
front of his own aparejo, facing away from same.
103. Harness, or By Detail, Harness.— The members of the
gun squad acting as off packers work with the drivers with whom
they ride as near packers.
103. PACK.^Loads are placed on the animals by the numbers
harnessing, with such assist/^/' of Platoon
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57
PLATE /
T/?e 3